The great Mr Raymond Chandler still has it painfully right on the life of the screenwriter after 80 years.... Some elements of the movie business may wax and wane but many of his philosophical observations on how writers are treated remain all too accurate. Read it and identify....

This is one of the best and most concise articles we've read on how screenwriters actually get paid. What can you expect to earn as a 'baby writer? Once you're produced? What's the difference between selling a spec screenplay and getting hired on an open writing assignment? How much do you get paid at point of script sale or at 'commencement' of your writing services, and how much do you get if your project actually goes into production?

Bear in mind that Hollywood writers frequently get replaced mid project. So your lawyer should always advise you if your contract states that if the very large looking greenlit bonus will actually diminish quite considerably should you share credit with a subsequent writer.... Read on, and then talk about the finer points with your Script E.R mentor next time you stop by for class.

After the midpoint, a screenplay often loses its way. This is the dreaded second act sag. A couple of techniques to avoid this letdown:

1. Introduce a new character.2. Introduce a new tension.

In older films, you will notice that rich, varied characters will often be introduced more than halfway through the film. For some reason, modern films shy away from this. But it's a perfect way to give your screenplay new direction and life.